FAQ’s Programming Olympiad

It is free. Irrespective of the number of entries or the status of the school, participation in Talent Search is free.

May primary school students participate?

Yes, but the Programming Olympiad is designed for high school learners.

May home-schoolers participate in the Programming Olympiad?

The contest has to be written at a school under the supervision of a qualified teacher. Certificates are issued in the name of the school and are signed by the Principal and the Teacher. Home-schoolers could approach a school in their area and if the school is not yet registered with the Olympiad, encourage them to register, and request permission to participate at that school.

Gold: to the top 7% of all participants
Silver: to the next 14% of all participants
Bronze: to the next 29% of all participants

Can someone win two certificates?

No.

Who may participate in the Programming Olympiad?

Any learner at any school. However, the Programming Olympiad tasks are designed for high school learners

May the school send papers to the Computer Olympiad office to be marked?

No. All answers are submitted online, all marking is done on our servers.

Are any extra certificates available?

Only if the originals are lost in the post.

When, in the given week, must we write the First Round?

Any time on any day that suits the school.

What is the duration of the Programming First Round paper?

One hour.

What happens if we do not receive the papers in time?

The paper will be faxed or e-mailed to you.

Must we photocopy the papers ourselves?

Yes.

Do you have past question papers available?

Yes. See the “Past Papers” section on this website.

May we enter the Programming Olympiad without taking part in the Talent Search?

Yes.

Who sets the questions?

Most questions are set by the following:
• Past Olympiad participants, especially past winners
• Past members of the South African IOI team
• University of Cape Town staff, students and graduates
• Experienced Educators, including the Computer Olympiad office staff

May I bring a calculator into the exam room?

Yes for a simple calculator. No if it is a programmable device. A calculator will be of limited use, however, because most questions involve reasoning and minimal calculation.

May we do only the Programming Olympiad?

The Computer Olympiad office runs the Talent Search, the Applications Olympiad and the Programming Olympiad. Schools may enter one, two or all three of the competitions. The school decides how many and which learners take part in each of the competitions.

Do scores in one competition affect the other competitions?

The three competitions are independent. Schools can enter any one, any two or all three as they wish. Results in the one competition do not affect the other competitions as far as we are concerned. Some schools use the Talent Search to select learners for the Applications Olympiad or Programming Olympiad, but that is their choice. There is no obligation to do so.

May schools from neighbouring and distant countries take part?

Schools from outside of South Africa may participate in the First Round. They receive all documentation electronically, but will not receive certificates or be able to participate in the Second Round or Finals.

What format does the competition take?

The First Round is for all (1 hour at schools)
The Second Round is for those aspiring to the Finals or Provincial Certificates (1 hour at schools)
The Final Round is used to select candidates to represent South Africa at the International Olympiad in Informatics

May a school write on a different date?

As the Olympiad is online, this is not possible.

If you want more information concerning the Computer Olympiad, please contact us